Plastics (a big environmental concern) can be hazardous to your body. Antimony, a chemical that leaches from plastic bottles, is one concern. A research at the University of Copenhagen, found antimony levels in fruit drinks and juices in plastic bottles 2.5 times higher than what’s considered safe in tap water! Phthalates in some plastics have been shown to decrease thyroid function. Bisphenol A (BPA) — also used in plastics, food can coatings, and dental sealants — decreases thyroid receptor site sensitivity, causing thyroid resistance, similar to PCBs.
Non-Stick Products
According to a study, perfluorooctanoic acid (a chemical used to make Teflon), food wrappers and other products can affect thyroid function even at moderate levels of exposure. A study conducted by the Environmental Health Perspectives, showed that higher concentrations of PFOA are associated with the thyroid conditions that are seen today.
Halogens
Fluoride and chloride exposure can lead to a decrease of iodine transport and block the conversion of the T4 to T3, which is the active form of your thyroid hormone. Thyroid function can be suppressed by fluoride, and the dose needed to reduce thyroid function is low, 2 to 5 mg per day. These halogens can be absorbed food, water, medications and the environment. And because they’re similar to iodine, they can occupy your iodine receptors, making the body’s iodine levels unusable.
Heavy Metals
Mercury, lead and aluminum can all trigger antibodies. In turn, these antibodies lead to autoimmune thyroid conditions such as the Grave’s and Hashimoto’s disease.This is not acute poisoning that we are referring to (which would show up on a conventional blood test), we are referring to a chronic heavy metal toxicity which can only be accurately shown with a urine test using a chelating agent.The chelator will pull the metals from your cells where it has leached, so it can actually be measured on the test.
Antibacterial Products
Triclosanis an antibacterial chemical added to soaps, lotions and toothpastes. Even though, there have been some researches that show small amounts to be safe, there’s evidence that triclosan is an endocrine disruptor and impacts thyroid function. A recent study showed that triclosan had an effect on thyroid hormones, while another showed that triclosan interacted with androgen and estrogen hormone receptors.
Source: Organic Health